Antenna Mount Clamp for Precision Alignment Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency antenna installations require precise alignment adjustments, but existing locking mechanisms can disrupt the alignment, leading to increased installation time and accuracy issues due to the engagement of locking nuts along the axis of adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A mount assembly with a clamp that directly attaches to the external threads of an adjuster bolt, using a pivot bolt and clamp mechanism to lock the adjuster bolt in a desired orientation, eliminating misalignment during locking and providing fine adjustment capabilities for both elevation and azimuth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking nuts are engaged along the axis of adjustment, then the locking mechanism secures the antenna, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates due to disruption of the desired alignment position
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is repositioned from engaging along the adjustment axis to engaging perpendicular to the adjustment axis. The clamp member extends transverse to the adjuster bolt axis, applying clamping force in a direction perpendicular to the bolt's longitudinal axis, thereby locking the bolt without interfering with the threading engagement that provides alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is separated from the adjustment function. The adjuster bolt with external threads handles precise alignment through threading engagement, while the separately positioned clamp member handles locking through perpendicular clamping force on the pole clamp member, allowing both functions to operate independently without interference.
2Ease of operation
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then alignment adjustment is possible, but installation time increases due to need for readjustment after locking
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be positioned and secured before final tightening of the adjuster bolt. The pole clamp member can be initially positioned on the pole, the adjuster bolt threaded in for alignment, and then the clamp member engaged perpendicular to lock the position, eliminating the need for readjustment that occurs when locking nuts are engaged along the adjustment axis.
3Ease of manufacture
If locking nuts are engaged along the adjustment axis, then the mechanism is simple to manufacture, but the alignment is disrupted requiring readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is oriented transverse to the adjuster bolt axis rather than parallel to it. This perpendicular orientation allows the clamp to engage the pole clamp member in a direction that does not interfere with the threading engagement of the adjuster bolt, maintaining alignment accuracy while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
Mount assemblies that include clamps that can clamp directly to external threads of a respective adjuster bolt to lock the adjuster bolt in a desired orientation and/or position and provide for triangulated adjustment allowing for increased alignment precision. The mount assemblies can be particularly suitable for locking an aligned antenna into a desired azimuth position.